Guardiola to take charge of Bayern

Bayern Munich confirmed on Wednesday that former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola will take charge of the team at the end of the season.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the appointment saying: "We are very pleased that we have succeeded in getting Pep Guardiola, who was courted by many famous clubs. "Pep Guardiola is one of the most successful coaches in the world. We look forward to working with him from July 2013."

Guardiola was linked with a number of high-profile clubs since he left Barcelona at the end of last season, including Chelsea, Manchester City and AC Milan among others.

But the German giants have won the race for his signature and he will take over in July on a three-year contract.

The 41-year-old Guardiola managed Barcelona from 2008-2012, guiding the club to 14 major titles in all competitions.

He will replace current boss Jupp Heynckes, who told Bayern recently that he intends to retire when his contract runs out at the end of the current campaign.